1998 New York Yankees World Series Ring

This significant 1998 New York Yankees World Series ring, issued to a team executive, commemorates the most successful season in franchise history. The 10K gold ring, produced by Balfour, features twenty-four small diamonds set with the team’s familiar “NY” logo, which in turn rests upon a blue stone. An additional twenty-four authentic small diamonds encircle the blue stone. “WORLDS CHAMPIONS 1998” appears along the perimeter in relief. The right shank features the recipient’s name, “Smith,” and a depiction of the World Series trophy set against the backdrop of Yankee Stadium. The left shank features the team’s overall record that season, “125-50,” the Yankees team logo, and the words “Best Ever.” The engraving on the interior band reads "Balfour/10K." This ring was presented to Richard "Dick" Smith, a former vice president of the New York Yankees and longtime close friend of former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. He also served as president of the Columbus Clippers (a Yankees minor-league affiliate) for thirty-two years. Our consignor recently purchased this ring, along with Smith's 2010 New York Yankees World Series ring (also offered in this sale), directly from the Smith family (Smith died in February 2013).

1998 marked the pinnacle of the Yankees' late 1990s dynasty, which witnessed the club winning four World Championships in five years (1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000). The Yankees won an American League record 114 games in 1998, finishing twenty-two games ahead of second-place Boston. They then validated their record-breaking season by easily defeating both Texas (3-0) and Cleveland (4-2) in the playoffs, before sweeping the San Diego Padres in the World Series. The Yankees’ cumulative record that season was 125-50, which marks the most wins by any team in a single season, thus establishing the club as one of the greatest teams in baseball history. 1998 New York Yankees World Series rings are very rarely seen on the open market and this is only the second we have ever offered. Most modern-era World Series rings are forever prized as special family keepsakes by extremely well paid players who have no economic incentive to ever part with them. The offering of an executive or scout ring, such as this example, is a very rare exception. This is an extraordinary and historically significant original 1998 Yankees World Series ring commemorating the greatest season in franchise history. Size: approximately 10. Weight: approximately 30 grams. The ring shows normal wear commensurate with its having been worn regularly and is in Excellent to Mint condition overall.

SOLD FOR $10,800

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